The Ministry of Internal Affairs and its organizational structure, the police authorities, played a crucial role in defending the national interests of our first independent state. This activity was carried out with great patriotism during the period covering 1918-1920. After the fall of the Republic, during the 70 years that Azerbaijan was part of the Soviet Union, these institutions developed and gained high results and rich experience in maintaining public order. In particular, the 1970s-1980s, when our republic achieved great success in economic, social, and other fields under the leadership of the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev, went down in the history of the Ministry of Internal Affairs as the most important stage.
The activities of Azerbaijan’s internal affairs bodies were always kept in the spotlight during the reign of the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev. Even during his first period of leadership in Azerbaijan, the genius personality signed important decrees and orders with great foresight regarding the organizational and ideological strengthening of these bodies, the purification of their ranks, and their staffing with professional national personnel. By the decree signed by the National Leader in 1998, July 2 was declared Azerbaijan Police Day. This decision, in addition to the unparalleled services of the internal affairs bodies in maintaining socio-political stability in our country during the independence period, further strengthened their role in the struggle for the restoration of our territorial integrity.
The formation of personnel in a national spirit manifested itself in 1988 when militia forces showed the first valiant resistance against Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan; in later periods, this mission was continued by the Internal Troops units. During the First Karabakh War, police officers and military personnel fought on the front lines; nearly 1,700 personnel reached the peak of martyrdom in battles, and 1,710 were wounded. For the courage and bravery shown, 67 people were awarded the title of National Hero of Azerbaijan, and 1,143 people were awarded orders and medals.
In the subsequent years of our independence, the activities of the internal affairs bodies continued successfully. While performing important tasks such as fighting crime and ensuring public order and security, 99 police officers and military personnel were killed, and 2,640 were injured. These figures clearly show the difficulties faced by the bodies and the dedication with which they work for the safety of the people.
Today, the Azerbaijani police have become an integral part of society. Whether day or night, on the busy streets of big cities or on the quiet roads of remote mountain villages, police officers are on duty at any moment to ensure the safety of citizens. They not only fight crime but also extend a helping hand to the thousand and one difficulties people face in their daily lives. During strong natural disasters – floods, earthquakes, heavy snowfalls, or storms – police officers arrive at the scene from the first seconds to ensure the evacuation of people to safe areas, start searching for the missing, and mobilize all their forces to clear roads and deliver necessary aid. Also, in matters that seem minor, from finding missing family members of ordinary citizens to returning lost pets to their owners, from saving those injured in car accidents to providing daily help to elderly and lonely people, and even in cases where children get lost after leaving home, police officers intervene with professionalism, sensitivity, and humanity. Their service is not just a professional duty, but a heartfelt call to serve the people. The phrase “let’s call the police,” which comes to people’s minds first in difficult moments, is the brightest proof of the trust in this institution. Thus, the modern police play the role of a dedicated hero, a loyal friend, and the most reliable support to lean on during difficult days.
On the occasion of this remarkable day – July 2, Azerbaijan Police Day, we congratulate all police officers! Their dedicated service to our people, the professionalism and heroism they demonstrate are always highly appreciated. We wish every police officer good health, family happiness, success in their work, and great patience. May God protect the Azerbaijani police and keep them always healthy and strong in the performance of their duties.
May the Azerbaijan Police always be powerful!
Mahirə Əmirhüseynova,
“XXI Əsrin Qadınları” İctimai Birliyin sədri